Our Trips

With over 200 journeys worldwide, our award-winning trips offer an incredible range of experiences for every interest and ability. Our journeys feature amazing Trip Leaders and fascinating itineraries that give you an utterly unique experience. Wilderness Travel has been consistently voted as one of the World's Top 5 Operators by Travel & Leisure readers.

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Tahiti to Easter Island: Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Pitcairns

Tahiti to Easter Island aboard the Island Sky

Overview

With its dreamy, postcard-perfect scenery of palm-fringed beaches and azure lagoons, Polynesia is the very definition of paradise. From legendary Tahiti, you’ll head to the Marquesas, with their sky-piercing volcanoes and chiseled bays, and the remote atolls of the Tuamotus, where some of the world’s most dazzling snorkeling can be experienced. Step ashore on seldom-visited Pitcairn, witness the amazing birdlife of uninhabited Henderson and Ducie Islands, and end the journey at exotic Easter Island, with its mysterious moais.

Such a fabulous place and the crew leaders were over the top!
— Lynda C., Hermosa Beach, CA

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Itinerary

Day 1, Oct 10, 2019
Depart USA / Papeete, Tahiti

Board your independent flight to Papeete. Arrive in the late evening and transfer to the group hotel.

Day 2, Oct 11, 2019
Papeete / Embark Island Sky

Relax during a morning at leisure, then join a tour of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia’s largest island. Pass by orchards of papaya as you drive along the stunning coast. Visit the renowned Gauguin Museum to learn about the life of the artist in the islands and the Museum of Tahiti, which traces the islands’ history. Embark the Island Sky this evening.

Day 3, Oct 12, 2019
Apataki, Tuamotu Islands

Though remote and sparsely populated, the far-flung Tuamotus comprise the world’s largest atoll chain. These venerable coral constructions rise just high enough above the water to be called land, and if it weren’t for their waving coconut palms, they might be entirely invisible from any distance. With few visitors, and little industry, the dazzling lagoon of Apataki offers a pristine underwater landscape for snorkelers and divers to explore.

Day 4, Oct 13, 2019
At Sea

Days 5-7, Oct 14-16, 2019
Marquesas Islands

Considered one of the most beautiful island groups in the South Pacific, the Marquesas lie farther from a continental coast than any other islands in the world. Unlike other Polynesian islands, the Marquesas have no surrounding reefs or placid lagoons. Their wide, deep bays are havens for cruise vessels. Spend three days exploring this dazzling collection of islands whose breathtaking vertical peaks reach into the clouds, while carpets of lush tropical vegetation drape cliffs and canyons that descend to sea-sculpted bays. Countless sooty, fairy, and bridled terns circle tiny, rocky pinnacle islets. Zodiacs bring you ashore on a variety of islands, to be greeted by dancers and drummers adorned in leis and tapa cloth. On walks you may see petroglyphs or tiki figures—representing deified ancestors—flanked by banyan trees, fragrant plumeria, blooming orchids, and silvery waterfalls. Open-air craft markets display baskets, shell jewelry, and wooden carvings. Birders search for the endemic Nuku Hiva pigeon and Marquesan swiftlet. Though the islands lack fringing reefs, snorkelers and divers will discover many colorful fish against a backdrop of sheer walls and dramatic arches.

Day 8, Oct 17, 2019
Pukapuka, Tuamotu Islands

Delightful music and dancing welcome you to this idyllic island—the first land sighted in the Pacific by Europeans. Visit the small village whose residents raise taro, bananas, and coconut palms for copra (dried coconut). Birders search for Pacific reef-heron while snorkelers and divers explore the fringing reef.

Day 9, Oct 18, 2019
Pukarua

Coconut palms and breadfruit trees cover the beautiful islets that surround Pukarua’s lagoon. Garland-bedecked dancers greet you in the tiny village whose 150 hospitable inhabitants earn a living selling copra. Witness the process of coconut drying, enjoy a local crafts market, or stroll along the lagoon shores watching crested terns circling overhead.

Day 10, Oct 19, 2019
Expedition Stop

Today, conditions permitting, explore one of the many uninhabited Tuamotu Islands and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or diving.

Day 11, Oct 20, 2019
At Sea

Spend a day at sea as the ship continues toward the remote Pitcairn Islands. Join naturalists on deck to search for a variety of seabirds and marine mammals.

Day 12, Oct 21, 2019
Pitcairn, Pitcairn Islands

Remote, enchanting, and tiny at six miles around, volcano-crowned Pitcairn was the fabled hideout of the HMS Bounty mutineers in 1790. Step ashore and visit with the 50 hospitable inhabitants of Adamstown, who are the direct descendants of the nine mutineers and 18 Polynesians. The anchor of the Bounty rests beside the courthouse and the ship’s Bible resides in the church.

Day 13, Oct 22, 2019
Henderson

Sheer limestone cliffs surround this elevated coralline island, a World Heritage Site, pockmarked by caves and blowholes. Henderson’s astounding natural selection has produced ten endemic flowering plants and four endemic species of land birds, including the Henderson Island crake and Stephen’s lorikeet. There will also be an opportunity to snorkel or dive in the marinelife-rich waters.

Days 14, Oct 23, 2019
Ducie

This small, uninhabited, and rarely-visited atoll is rimmed in white-sand beaches that in turn surround a crystalline lagoon. As you walk along the shore, witness a vast variety of seabirds—tens of thousands nest here, including Murphy’s and Phoenix petrels, masked boobies, frigatebirds, and red-tailed tropicbirds. Underwater forays bring you face-to-face with legions of rainbow-hued fish in the warm, clear waters.

Days 15-16, Oct 24-25, 2019
At Sea

Relax on deck and enjoy the ongoing lecture series as you cruise toward Easter Island, a World Heritage Site and one of the most mysterious places on earth.

Days 17-18, Oct 26-27, 2019
Easter Island, Chile

Spend two full days exploring Easter Island. View the intriguing stone heads, moai, built on massive stone platforms at Tahai, along with nearly 400 monolithic statues in various states of completion at the spectacular volcanic tuff quarries. Visit the ceremonial center of Ahu Vinapu where the island’s only female moai was found. At Ahu Tongariki visit the largest ceremonial site in Polynesia—a five-year archaeological restoration project was completed in 1996. Drive to the Rano Kau volcano to view the giant caldera, home to a sprawling lake dotted with small floating reed islets, and the ceremonial village of Orongo, dedicated to the fascinating “birdman” cult.

Trip Levels

Tahiti to Easter Island: Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Pitcairns

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:

Prices are for 2019

Limited single accommodations are available at the special solo rate listed above. Additional single accommodations may be available. Please call for details.

Wilderness Travel Pricing Policy

Prices are quoted in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. For late sign-ups, payments submitted less than 15 days prior to departure must be made by credit card, cashier's check, or bank wire.

To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are tier priced according to the number of full-paying participants on the trip. Wilderness Travel staff, trip physicians, or guests of Wilderness Travel (travel writers, photographers, leaders-in-training) are not included in the tier pricing count.

All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. On many trips, if you are willing to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate if one is available. If we cannot match you with a roommate, the “forced single supplement” is listed if applicable.

Please note that for certain trips (usually in the Southern Hemisphere), prices are seasonal, rather than following the calendar year. In such cases, the prices will be clearly listed for the specific season, such as: Fall/Winter. Prices for the following season are normally available approximately six months before the first departure of the season.

Departures

2019Oct 10-29, 2019

Deck Plan

Cabin Descriptions

All suites feature ocean views and have two twin beds that can be reconfigured into one queen, a sitting area, en suite bathroom, large wardrobes, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American-style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.

Magellan Deck suites are 230 square feet and have two to four portholes.

Columbus Deck suites are 240 square feet with large picture windows.

Marco Polo Deck suites range between 225 to 240 square feet with a sliding mirrored glass door leading directly to the promenade.

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: 25% of trip cost
130 days prior to departure:
Balance

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Minimum Cancellation Fee: $750 per person
179-120 days prior to departure: 25% of cruise cost
119 days or less: 100% of cruise cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Arrival & Departure Information

You are responsible for your own transportation arriving to Papeete, Tahiti, and departing from Hanga Roa, Easter Island.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 1-800-368-2794.

Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule.

2019 Departures

ArrivalPapeete, TahitiDate: Day 1Time: Anytime in the evening

Suggested Airport for ArrivalPapeete Airport (PPT)

DepartureHanga Roa, Easter IslandDate: Day 20Time: After 2:00 pm

Suggested Airport for DepartureMataveri International Airport (IPC)

Island Sky

The beautiful Island Sky features 53 spacious, outside-facing suites with marble-appointed bathrooms. Each suite includes a flat-screen TV with DVD player, hairdryer, individually controlled air conditioning, and mini-fridge. With an onboard atmosphere closer to a yacht than a cruise ship, she is very comfortable. Having undergone significant refurbishment in 2011, the ship features a large lounge, a library and bar, and an elegant dining room as well as spacious outside decks. The ship’s relatively small size lets her drop anchor in remote areas and in small ports where larger ships can’t go, and the fleet of inflatable Zodiacs offers access to wonderfully remote places. Island Sky has a staff and crew of 72.

Our Trips using this Lodging

Trip Level

This trip is level 1+, Easiest, and is appropriate for those in good health who are physically active. For most activities, a moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs and tenders for diving and snorkeling activities and excursions ashore. On land, you must be able to walk moderate distances over beaches and sometimes rough terrain. Although not a physically challenging trip (compared to most Wilderness Travel trips), the day-by-day itinerary of this cruise will keep you very busy! If you feel comfortable walking with poles, you are encouraged to bring them. Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions, as the days can be long.

On Board the Island Sky

Zegrahm Expeditions specializes in expedition-style cruises to interesting and remote destinations. The Island Sky is one of the main ships they charter for many weeks of each year. She was built in 1992, accommodates 100 guests, was refurbished in 2011 and is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. Every cabin is a suite with sitting room area complete with coffee table and armchairs, and are similar in size, from 225-270 square feet, depending on category (Category 6 and Owner's Suite are larger). All categories offer an ocean view, a well-appointed bathroom, flat-screen TV, telephone, personal safe, hairdryer, mini-fridge and air conditioning. Category 1 cabins have portholes, while all other categories offer picture windows. Erikson and Explorer Deck cabins feature private balconies. The beds in each cabin can be configured as doubles or twins. Electricity on board is 110 volts, and the plugs are American-style, with two flat prongs.

The Island Sky has spacious public areas on board where one can sit and relax. Daily briefings are held in the Main Lounge that has plenty of seating. The bar features a round-the-clock coffee, tea, and water station. Other public spaces include a large lounge, club and bar with piano, and library with games, reference books, novels, DVDs, and computers with Internet access. Outside public areas include sitting areas with deck tables and chairs. There are stairs and an elevator to connect all floors.

The main dining room can seat all guests at one sitting where the feeling is casual and you can choose your own seating arrangements. Tables range in size and if you are looking for a table for two, then plan to arrive early, though most people enjoy mixing with fellow passengers at larger tables. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit and cold cuts with certain dishes made to order. Lunch and dinner are five course affairs, with a choice of starters, soups and main courses, as well as choice of desserts. Meals include a selection of wine and beer with both lunch and dinner. For passengers who prefer just a quick bite for lunch, there is a self-service buffet with outside seating which is popular on sunny days.

The atmosphere onboard a Zegrahm cruise is easygoing. Smart-casual being the norm, with the exception of the welcome and farewell dinners, where people tend to dress up a bit. Passengers are mostly American, active, aged 50 and up and curious about the world. Singles are welcome and rates are often favorable for them – Be sure to inquire about special deals that might be offered. Virtually everything is included in the cost of the trip, such as lectures, excursions, entrance fees, taxes and port charges, meals, gratuities and arrival and departure transfers on group travel dates.

Wilderness Travel has enjoyed partnering with Zegrahm over the years. Our clients consistently rave about the high level of onboard service, regardless of where they happen to be traveling. They are known for hiring highly personable and talented Expedition Team members with extensive backgrounds in their fields of study. Onboard lectures take place regularly, covering aspects of the voyage and surrounding environment. In the evenings and on days at sea, movies and videos are shown that are relevant to the destination. Traditional ship entertainment is not featured on Zegrahm’s programs. However, there are often cultural performances organized on the landings, where you can see native dances and/or musical performances.

Tahiti to Easter Island is a classic itinerary, steeped in rich history and vibrant culture. Explore the faraway islands of Marquesas, Tuamotus, Pitcairns as well as Easter Island. Enjoy excellent snorkeling and diving nearly every day to discover healthy reefs teeming with colorful, tropical fish. No previous experience is required to snorkel, but it is suggested that if you have your own mask and fins, bring them to ensure comfort and fit. Also, scuba divers must have their Advanced Open Water diving certificate and must have completed two open water dives within one year of the trip’s departure. If you plan on diving, be sure to let us know!

Although the ship covers a long distance from start to finish, there are only four full days at sea and on those days one can relax on deck and attend informative lectures. The average daily temperatures will range from the low to upper-80sF, though high humidity can make it feel warmer with cooler temperatures in the Pitcairns and Easter Island. Though this voyage occurs during the “dry season,” rainfall is always a possibility.

Trip Levels

Tahiti to Easter Island: Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Pitcairns

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.

Resources

What to Know Before You Go

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for this trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after the conclusion of your trip. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport photo page in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

VISAS

No visa is required for US Citizens traveling to Tahiti, Polynesia, or Easter Island (Chile).

MEDICAL

We recommend checking the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov should you have any international health concerns.